Oshawa Program and Boundary Study Update - St. Christopher and St. Thomas Aquinas

Posted On Friday January 31, 2025

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:

We are writing to provide an update on the Oshawa Program and Boundary Study. 

Oshawa Program and Boundary Study Background 
With the announcement of a new Unnamed Kedron Catholic Elementary School, an addition at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School, and a scope change to the New Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School from a proposed Grade 7-12 school to a Grade 9-12 school, we are engaging in updates and revisions to the Oshawa Program and Boundary Study.

On January 27, 2025, the following motions were passed by the Durham Catholic District School Board of Trustees:

  • THAT the Durham Catholic District School Board approve the reversal of the following decision that was part of the June 19, 2023 ‘Oshawa Schools – Program and Boundary study report – Final’: 
    • Upon the opening of the new Msgr. Paul Dwyer CHS (gr. 7-12), a) St. Kateri Tekakwitha CS will become a K-6 Catholic Elementary School. All grade 7 and 8 students (Regular and French Immersion tracks) from St. Kateri Tekakwitha CS will be accommodated at the new Msgr. Paul Dwyer CHS; and b) St. Thomas Aquinas CS will become a K-6 Catholic Elementary School. All grade 7 and 8 students (French Immersion) from St. Thomas Aquinas CS will be accommodated at the new Msgr. Paul Dwyer CHS;
  • And that reversal is based upon the Ministry of Education approval of new capital investments of a 622-pupil place Catholic elementary school in the Kedron development of North Oshawa; a 6-room addition to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic elementary school; and the change in scope of the new Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School from a grade 7-12 school to a 9-12 school. 

What does this mean for my child?

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Following the capital announcement on March 27, 2024, to add a six-room addition to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a new Kedron Catholic elementary school, and the restructuring of Monsignor Paul Dwyer to a Grade 9–12 dual-track secondary school, St. Thomas Aquinas will be able to continue as a Kindergarten – Grade 6 regular track and Grade 1-8 French Immersion dual track school. There is adequate capacity with the use of some portables. This decision will support a robust population of Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion students remaining in the school, helping to balance enrolment across programs. This is a reversal of the June 2023 decision.

St. Christopher Catholic School
French immersion students will graduate out of St. Christopher Catholic School (through to Grade 8) and will not have to transition as Grade 7 and 8 students to the new Monsignor Paul Dwyer when it opens.

Next Steps 
A meeting has been scheduled to share this information with families and to provide an opportunity to ask questions.

The meeting is scheduled for:

  • Thursday, March 20, 2025: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

If you require accessible accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Facilities Services at 905-576-6150 Ext. 22353 in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made. 

Updates will continue to be made available on the Oshawa Program and Boundary Study webpage.

If you have questions or comments regarding the Oshawa Program and Boundary Study implementation process or transition process, please complete the feedback form, contact us via phone at 905-576-6150 ext. 42252, or send an email to planning@dcdsb.ca.

Sincerely,

 

Jim Wilson                                               Scott Grieve
Superintendent of Education              Superintendent of Business, Finance & Facilities